Higuain keeps Napoli on Juventus’ heels
Argentine nets equaliser to earn side 1-1 draw against Fiorentina
Higuain equalised a minute after Alonso had opened the scoring to ensure Napoli stay within three points of Serie A leaders Juventus. PHOTO: AFP
MILAN:
Gonzalo Higuain claimed his 25th Serie A goal of the season as Napoli maintained their title push with a thrilling 1-1 draw at Fiorentina on Monday.
Napoli were under the cosh after champions Juventus stretched their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 2-0 win over hapless Inter Milan on Sunday.
But despite pushing La Viola hard in a thrilling encounter at the Artemio Franchi, a share of the spoils against a Fiorentina side that looks worthy of qualifying for next season’s Champions League left Napoli with no complaints.
Napoli remained in second place, three points behind Juventus, with Roma and Fiorentina both five points further adrift.
Serie A: Jaded Juve’s winning streak snapped at 15
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri said it had been a “great game” but admitted his side could have lost. “They had the chance to win the game in the final minutes of the first half, as we did in the final minutes of the second,” he said. “It was a fair result, neither side deserved to lose.”
Fiorentina coach Paolo Sousa did not agree, but was buoyed by another performance that underlined Fiorentina’s Champions League credentials.
“Unfortunately we just lacked a little bit of luck to take what was a deserved win,” said the Portuguese coach. “I’m proud of the lads, because they always want to improve. Tonight we deserved something more from this match.”
Zaza strike downs Napoli as Juve go top
After just six minutes Sousa’s men went in front when Marcos Alonso rose above the Napoli defence at a corner to score the opener.
But Alonso went from hero to zero in a matter of seconds.
From the subsequent kick-off, Kalidou Koulibaly promptly fired a high punt into the Fiorentina area that forced goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu out of his net.
When Alonso’s fluffed clearance fell to Higuain, he had little trouble in guiding the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2016.
Gonzalo Higuain claimed his 25th Serie A goal of the season as Napoli maintained their title push with a thrilling 1-1 draw at Fiorentina on Monday.
Napoli were under the cosh after champions Juventus stretched their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 2-0 win over hapless Inter Milan on Sunday.
But despite pushing La Viola hard in a thrilling encounter at the Artemio Franchi, a share of the spoils against a Fiorentina side that looks worthy of qualifying for next season’s Champions League left Napoli with no complaints.
Napoli remained in second place, three points behind Juventus, with Roma and Fiorentina both five points further adrift.
Serie A: Jaded Juve’s winning streak snapped at 15
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri said it had been a “great game” but admitted his side could have lost. “They had the chance to win the game in the final minutes of the first half, as we did in the final minutes of the second,” he said. “It was a fair result, neither side deserved to lose.”
Fiorentina coach Paolo Sousa did not agree, but was buoyed by another performance that underlined Fiorentina’s Champions League credentials.
“Unfortunately we just lacked a little bit of luck to take what was a deserved win,” said the Portuguese coach. “I’m proud of the lads, because they always want to improve. Tonight we deserved something more from this match.”
Zaza strike downs Napoli as Juve go top
After just six minutes Sousa’s men went in front when Marcos Alonso rose above the Napoli defence at a corner to score the opener.
But Alonso went from hero to zero in a matter of seconds.
From the subsequent kick-off, Kalidou Koulibaly promptly fired a high punt into the Fiorentina area that forced goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu out of his net.
When Alonso’s fluffed clearance fell to Higuain, he had little trouble in guiding the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2016.